Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1887-02-17
[For the Ellsworth American.
Favorite Books.

While reading that exquisite creation
'Beyond the Gates" by our gifted New
England writer Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, the
mind is unconsciously lifted up and beyond
this material world and carried along en-
rapport with the flowing current of the
authors thoughts and fancies, revelling in
the visions of that bright summer land,
so vividly portrayed, until the heart of the
reader beats exultantly with the hope of
the sweet possibilities opened to view, and
tremblingly asks itself, why may not ac-
cept this as a divine revelation of the
home 'beyo the gates, when every pulse
of nv being throbs in unison with the de-
lghtful conception? Surely there is moth
ing in the poetic imagery of this souls i'm
mortal progress to conflict with sober
reasons most searching analysis, To the
unsatistied one, wearied out in a life long
struggle of constant sclf-repression, where
in all the nobler impulses, all the heart
warnings for an active work in behalf of
suffering humanity. have been ruthlessly
stranglcd by an overmastering will power,
this emancipation of the freed spirit is
hailed with joy only equalled by that of
the periShing one, who receives with the
"cup of cold water" new lease of life. To
the aspiring mind that through force of
circumstances and adverse conditions has
been intellectually starved the enchanting
picture of the free lectures, musical har-
monies, art studies, and more than all,
cOngcnial intercourse with kindred souls
in the higher life, is indeed glimpse of
Heaven. A firm belief in such a future
state must give ''the perfect peace which
paSSeth understanding. offering as it
does, the ultimate fruition of our dearest
hopes, the sweet promise Of rccompcnsc
beyond the gates" Another book by
the same writer, possessing a similar mag
nctic power to charm and cnthrall the
mind Of tie reader We have in Gates
Ajar," which vas written, believe several
wears prior To the above mentioned work.
and should have taken precedence in my
list of favoritcs, not from surprising mcr-
1t however, for | think nothing can quite
equal Beyond the Gates but Gates
Ajar" is such a fitting prelude 10 the later
work, that it should be read first To Sor-
rowing ones who have been fated to pass
under the rod" to stand hclplcssly by and
see their nearest and dearest drift ont on
the tide Of the silent river. this book brings
healing on its wings whispers messages Of
peace and consolation to the aching hearts
from the spirit land. gives a rcstful a>>ur-
ance that the mystic river is after all only
little brook, just step beyond, and like
sweetest music ccho.ns in the car,is heard
p A. Dole. cheering the Strickened and
heavy ladencd heart
Not under the SHOWS 81 winter,
The brown turf and the mold
DO seek the hright.eyci darlings
Who have left this earthly fold.
But the air t. PcopIed around me
With beauty and love anu power.
And my soul finds peace and comfort
With my loved ones every Sour.
know OF no far or heaven.
Beyond my ken and reach.
A shadowy land OF phantoms.
OF which your churchmen teach.
My heaven Is all around me,
My Savior, friend most dear
who sends IT. mnIstering angels.
To whisper wor,is OF cheer.
Although read these books hastily
some years ago they made deep and last
Ing impression upon my mind and have
ever since felt an intense desire for more
leisure re-pcru>al. yet through limited
opportunities have failed 10 find either;
nevertheless when my ship comes In"
these Shall be the first treasures added to
my small library. A. l have already oe-
cupicd more space than intended in my
brief glance at these literary gems, | VIII
store away nv little hoard Of book memor-